Resources for the Uninsured – Funded Programs

• Portals
  • Look for government benefits and assistance. GovBenefits.gov is the official benefits website of the U.S. government, with information on over 1,000 benefit and assistance programs. Visit their website at http://www.govbenefits.gov/govbenefits_en.portal (checked 3/09) for a detailed questionnaire about eligibility for possible programs.
  • For women: The National Women’s Health Resource Center’s website is www.healthywomen.org. You may call them toll free at 1-877-986-9472. This mostly informational resource offers a free newsletter, resource and publication list, health topics, A to Z, and more. (checked 3/09)

• Community Health Programs
  • Low cost health clinics are available in some communities. To find a health center near you, visit www.findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov. (Checked 3/09) Put in your town and state, or your zip code, and the site will give you a list of federally funded clinics (with maps if desired). Fees at each clinic depend on your income. You can call and ask in advance to get a general idea of how much your visit will cost. This website is the US Department of Health & Human Services. You may also do a search for clinics on http://www.needymeds.org/free_clinics.taf. (Checked 3/09) They have 3,599 clinics in their database on a low-cost or sliding scale.
  • Local churches may have health programs. One individual contributed, “I have been getting help through a local church mission group. They are limited a little on what they can do for you, but they know other resources for low prescription costs, where to go for low cost tests, and most of the time have samples of non-narcotic drugs.”
  • Planned Parenthood has local health centers. To find one, visit www.plannedparenthood.org. (Checked 3/09) You may also call 1-800-230-PLAN toll free to find a local health center near you. At Planned Parenthood you may learn about birth control, STD’s, safer sex, pregnancy, emergency contraception, general health care, pregnancy testing, and more. Most clientele are covered by grants. The fees are in relation to income and how many children are in the family.

• Mental Health
  • For mental health, many communities have free or low cost mental health services. Check in your phone book for community mental health centers (CMHCs). These centers offer a range of mental health treatment and counseling services, usually at a reduced rate for low-income people. CMHCs generally require that you have a private insurance plan or be a recipient of public assistance.

• Rehabilitation
  • Some local YMCAs offer financial assistance to those who cannot afford to pay the full price. Up to 55% of the fee for membership may be paid. I do not know if this financial assistance program is nationwide, but if you need exercise rehabilitation or personal training for recovery from illness, it might be worth looking into.

• Eye care
  • EyeCare America, a public service foundation of the American Academy of Opthalmology, provides free and low-cost eye care for certain groups. Visit their website at http://eyecareamerica.org/eyecare/care/ or call toll free 1-800-222-eyes (3937). (checked 3/09)
  • VISION USA, coordinated by the American Optometric Association, provides free eye care to uninsured, low-income workers and their families. Screening for the program takes place only during January of each year, with exams provided later in the year. Visit their website at http://www.aoa.org/visionusa.xml or call toll free 1-800-766-4466. (Checked 3/09)
  • Visit the National Eye Institute’s website. There are many more resources for eye care, including for cataract surgery, infants, eye surgery, glasses, and more. Visit http://www.nei.nih.gov/Health/financialaid.asp for the website of the National Eye Institute, part of the National Institute of Health. (checked 3/09)
  • Unite For Sight’s website has a listing of free programs: http://www.uniteforsight.org/free_health_coverage.php (checked 3/09).